Four new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) have been confirmed in England.
The outbreaks were confirmed yesterday (Wednesday, October 20) in Norfolk, which has been plagued by the disease for weeks, and in Yorkshire and Lancashire.
The latter two cases show that the disease has travelled somewhat north, as the majority of cases in the 2022/2023 bird flu season have been in southeast and east England so far.
Six outbreaks were confirmed at sites in southeast England on Tuesday (October 18) alone.
The outbreaks
The disease was found in commercial poultry at one site near Leyland, South Ribble in Lancashire and another near Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire.
A fourth premises near Wymondham, South Norfolk, and a fifth premises near Dereham, Breckland in Norfolk have had the presence of bird flu confirmed on their sites too.
In line with bird flu protocol, 3km Protection Zones and 10km Surveillance Zones have been declared around each of the premises.
All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.
Bird flu in England
Since October 1, 2022, there have been 53 cases of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) in England.
The disease has also been confirmed in Wales and Northern Ireland.
To help mitigate the spread of the disease, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been put in place across the UK.
Under the AIPZ, it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of the disease.
